Sunday, October 18, 2009

Fall Is In The Air

 

After a long, dreadful, snow filled winter…western Washington then suffered thru a long, hot and dry summer.  But fall is definitely in the air here.  The rains have come and the leaves are not only changing color but are falling to litter yards and clog storm drains.

Saturday, October 17th we traveled 125 miles south to Vancouver, WA. for a memorial service for the husband of a dear friend.  The family had been our neighbors back in the 1970’s and even after they moved to Vancouver, we’ve remained close.  Bob graciously drove my son and I thru pouring rain for what proved to be a 2½ hour trip.  It was a miserable drive but we were glad to be there for the family.   It would have been useless to take pictures going down because the rain was so heavy that the windshield wipers could barely handle the deluge.  But on the return trip the sun came out (will for most of the 2 hour ride) so I dug out my camera and took a few pictures.  For those of you who live in areas where there is no change in colors at this time of the year, I wanted you to see just a glimpse of nature’s handiwork here in western Washington.

The first two pictures  shows the gray sky trying to be blue.  But you can also see how the deciduous trees are becoming lighter compared to the darker green of the Douglas Fir trees.

october fall pics1 

 october fall pics3

Now here is some beautiful blue sky and white fluffy clouds and the Douglas Firs certainly stand out from the other trees that are in the process of turning color.

october fall pics2

Even with the heavy rain we’ve been experiencing the last couple weeks, the temperatures on the other hand have remained very mild.  Usually in the high 50’s to low 60’s. 

I noticed today a few blossoms coming out on a very confused rhododendron.  It normally blooms in April so this is strange.   You can also see in this picture the damaged leaves from the summer heat wave. The hot sun literally cooked the green leaves.  The poor thing, I hope it makes it thru the winter.

october fall pics5  

Happy leaf raking, until next time………Linda

10 comments:

Joann said...

Thanks so much for the tour... I needed that!! = )

Marie Rayner said...

It's amazing how quickly the leaves turn once it all begins to happen. We are surrounded in riot of colour now and every breeze brings them down around us. It's very beautiful. I would miss this change so much if I had to live in a country where it never happened! Glad that Bob was able to take you and your son down to the memorial. xxoo

Sugar said...

our seasons went from summer to LATE fall, it's cold here most days, but still have some that are mild.
loved the card & magnet, ty sooo much!
the pics you posted are lovely. enjoyed them.
have a good week!
huggies...

Ally Lifewithally said...

Loved the pictures Linda it looks like you had a good day to travel back ~ Allyx

Beth said...

Very pretty! We still have a lot of green here, surprisingly, but things are really starting to turn now.

Lisa said...

Lovely photos - my rhodos seem to be confused too. Last week it was in the 40's this week the 70's, no wonder plants are confused. Sorry to hear your lost your dear friend - it was wonderful of you to make it for the service despite the weather.

Lisa said...

Lovely photos - my rhodos seem to be confused too. Last week it was in the 40's this week the 70's, no wonder plants are confused. Sorry to hear your lost your dear friend - it was wonderful of you to make it for the service despite the weather.

Sandra said...

Hi Linda,

I`m sorry to hear about your good friends husband, my condolences to her and her family.

The leaves are falling here too though we`ve had little rain since July, a couple of days here and there but not much to speak of. I think my corner of England has been forgotten by the wet weather fairies!

Love and Hugs

Sandra xxxx

Barb said...

Beautiful scenery. Sorry to hear about the passing of your friend. Glad you had clear weather on the drive home. Hope you're having a good week.
Hugs,Barb

ADB said...

Thanks for sharing your fall colours, Linda. Up here it is a case that one day there are trees full of leaves, and one gale later there is nothing but bare branches.